1 Samuel 27 - David Joins the Philistines | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to 1 Samuel Chapter 27, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.In 1 Samuel Chapter 27 David and his men become mercenaries for the Philistines. He is safe here from Saul because Saul won’t pursue him into enemy territory. This must have seemed a very strange thing to do from an Israelite perspective because he was now working for the enemy. David is playing a very tricky game not wanting to be Philistine, but not being safe in Israel. If God had not been with David this would have probably failed.David had a long history of seeking the Lord before doing things, and even though it isn’t written here, he probably had the Lord’s mind on this decision. Every minute detail shouldn’t have to be explained for us to know that was the case. Much later when David was the king, he was going to defeat the Philistines thoroughly and his time with the Philistines might have helped him with inside information. The WEB text says he served Achich for a year and four months but the Hebrew says “days and four months.”Also, later in 1 Samuel 29 Achish of Gath acknowledges David has served him for years. So this time period was probably longer. David was physically with the Philistines, but his heart was not given to them. Many believers go to the world, but they give their hearts to it. So there was a difference. When Israel first came into its inheritance, God had commanded them to remove the inhabitants of the land, which they had failed to do.David is doing here what God had commanded, and by leaving none alive this had a double purpose in leaving no trace of information that could get back to the Philistines. David then gave false information to the Philistines about his work, and was thus playing a very tricky double role.One interesting issue discussed in this video is how long the period of time was from Sanuels; death to Saul’s death. Josephus says 22 years, but this cannot be right.